By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union
AKRON — Tippecanoe Valley High School announced its valedictorian for the 2023-24 school year is Kaylynn Miller, and salutatorian is Caroline Stump.
Kaylynn is the daughter of Jill and Steve Miller, Mentone.
Kaylynn was in cheerleading for three years, on student council four years, National Honor Society, Sunshine Society, Mock Trial, Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy, theater and youth group.
She plans on attending Indiana Wesleyan University and studying political science/pre-law.
“It’s really, really exciting,” Kaylynn said about being valedictorian. “It’s something I’ve been working towards for a really long time, obviously. But it just feels good that all that hard work wasn’t for nothing. And I feel really grateful to tell all the people who supported me that.”
Jill said when Kaylynn was in sixth grade and her teacher asked the class to set a goal for themselves, Kaylynn set the goal of becoming valedictorian.
“And she’s never lost sight of that. She’s never forgotten. She’s worked really hard. She’s set her priorities, made sacrifices and I’m just thrilled she got to achieve it. We’re thrilled,” Jill said.
Caroline is the daughter of Donna and Herb Stump, Silver Lake.
Caroline has participated in NHS, Student Council, Mock Trial, Sunshine Society, KYLA and theater.
She plans on going to Indiana University – Bloomington to study international law and institutions.
“It’s really nice (to be named salutatorian), especially accomplishing it along with my two best friends,” who are Kaylynn and Caroline’s twin sister Katelyn, who placed third in the class. “I’m grateful for my parents and all my friends,” Caroline said.
Donna said she and Herb were proud Caroline kept going and kept working to the best of her abilities.
“We always told her we supported her working to her best abilities, no matter what. We didn’t expect her to be number one. We just wanted her to do her best,” Donna said.
Tippecanoe Valley High School Principal Brendan Kresca said, “Here at Tippecanoe Valley, we’re very proud of Kaylynn and Caroline. They’re excellent representatives of Tippecanoe Valley High School just in the amount of work it takes to be successful and to dedicate to your academics. And they have no doubt demonstrated that over their four years at schools. So we’re very thankful for these two.”
